A devastating fire ripped through a five-storey shopping centre in the southeastern Iraqi city of Kut on Wednesday night, killing at least 60 people, local officials confirmed.
The blaze erupted at the recently opened mall, which had been operating for just seven days. Firefighters battled the flames for hours before finally bringing the inferno under control. The cause of the fire remains unclear, though initial reports suggest a possible electrical fault or flammable materials may have accelerated the spread.
Emergency services rushed to the scene as the fire engulfed the building, trapping dozens inside. Rescue efforts were hampered by thick smoke and the rapid collapse of parts of the structure. Many of the victims are believed to be employees and shoppers who were inside the mall at the time.
Wasit Province health officials said several bodies have been recovered, with the death toll expected to rise as search operations continue. Dozens of others sustained injuries, some in critical condition, and have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Governor Mohammad Jamil Al-Mayahi declared a period of mourning and has called for a full investigation into the incident. “This tragedy must not go unanswered,” he said in a statement. “We will ensure those responsible for any negligence are held accountable.”
The fire has sparked widespread grief across Iraq, with many expressing concern over safety standards in public buildings. As the country mourns, authorities face growing pressure to improve fire safety enforcement and prevent similar disasters in the future.
